Hydrological drought is a substantial negative deviation from normal hydrologic conditions and is influenced by climate and human activities such as water management. By perturbing the streamflow regime, climate change and water management may significantly alter drought characteristics in the future. Here we utilize a high‐resolution integrated modeling framework that represents water management in terms of both local surface water extraction and reservoir regulation and use the Standardized Streamflow Index to quantify hydrological drought. We explore the impacts of water management on hydrological drought over the contiguous U.S. in a warming climate with and without emissions mitigation. Despite the uncertainty of climate change impacts, local surface water extraction consistently intensifies drought that dominates at the regional to national scale. However, reservoir regulation alleviates drought by enhancing summer flow downstream of reservoirs. The relative dominance of drought intensification or relief is largely determined by the water demand, with drought intensification dominating in regions with intense water demand such as the Great Plains and California, while drought relief dominates in regions with low water demand. At the national level, water management increases the spatial extent of extreme drought despite some alleviations of moderate to severe drought. In an emissions mitigation scenario with increased irrigation demand for bioenergy production, water management intensifies drought more than the business‐as‐usual scenario at the national level, so the impacts of emissions mitigation must be evaluated by considering its benefit in reducing warming and evapotranspiration against its effects on increasing water demand and intensifying drought.


This study aims at understanding the spatial dynamics of the street system in residential sectors of Montreal. Different periods of development have produced street networks displaying a diversity of characteristics and configurations. Yet all these different pieces are spatially interconnected implying that they are part of a functional whole. In the course of the historical evolution of the city the new pieces of the network are connected to pre-existing rural roads from which they often stem. However, while responding to a set of internal functional rules and technical requirements, the street system does not deploy in autarchy. Rather, it is integrated within a broader spatial framework comprised of natural and human-made features such as the hydrographic system, the topography, the agricultural allotment system and in more recent times, of components of technical systems such as canals, railroads and high-capacity transportation infrastructure. By delving into the differing street networks geometries as well as into the barriers and boundaries that spatial discontinuities, the project sets about identifying the "parts" in order to understand their inner characteristics as well as the modalities of their articulation to the "whole." We hence define neighbourhoods as areas predominantly residential which exhibit some degree of internal homogeneity in regards to block geometry, street network configuration and refer to these areas as "morphological neighbourhood areas," or simply, MNAs. A variety of quantitativea and qualitative methods are mobilized with the purpose of delimiting MNAs in the Island of Montreal. Subsequently, with MNAs as our unit of reference, a classification of urban neighbourhoods is proposed based on quantifiable spatial properties of the urban tissue, which include attributes pertaining local street network geometries, and part-to-whole topological relationships.


Free standing silicene is a two-dimensional silicon monolayer with a buckled honeycomb lattice and a Dirac band structure. Ever since its first successful synthesis in the laboratory, silicene has been considered as an option for post-silicon electronics, as an alternative to graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Despite its theoretical high carrier mobility, the zero band gap characteristic makes pure silicene impossible to use directly as a field effect transistor (FET) operating at room temperature. Here, we first review the theoretical approaches to open a band gap in silicene without diminishing its excellent electronic properties and the corresponding simulations of silicene transistors based on an opened band gap. An all-metallic silicene FET without an opened band gap is also introduced. The two chief obstacles for realization of a silicene transistor are silicene's strong interaction with a metal template and its instability in air. In the final part, we briefly describe a recent experimental advance in fabrication of a proof-of-concept silicene device with Dirac ambipolar charge transport resembling a graphene FET, fabricated via a growth-transfer technique.


Three impurities in apronalide drug substance were detected and quantified using a simple isocratic reverse phase HPLC method. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Thermo Hypersil gold-CN, 100 A 0 5 µm, and 250X4.6 mm using a mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer (pH-4.6) - Methanol with UV detection at 210 nm and flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. The column temperature was maintained at 25 0 C throughout the analysis. This method was rapid, simple for separation of apronalide and potential manufacturing impurities from each other in a 30 min run time.  To the best of our knowledge, none of the method has been reported in the any pharmacopeia and literature for separation of apronalide from the given set of related substances. The proposed method has been validated as per international guidelines on method validation and can be used for the routine quality control analysis of apronalide as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and pharmaceutical formulations. Also the method was determined to be robust with regards to the following parameters: mobile phase apparent pH; mobile phase organic content; detection wavelength and time dependence of sample and standard stability.  Keywords: Apronalide, related Substances, HPLC, pharmaceutical formulation, drug


In this work we propose LASAGNE, a methodology to learn locality and structure aware graph node embeddings in an unsupervised way. In particular, we show that the performance of existing random-walk based approaches depends strongly on the structural properties of the graph, e.g., the size of the graph, whether the graph has a flat or upward-sloping Network Community Profile (NCP), whether the graph is expander-like, whether the classes of interest are more k-core-like or more peripheral, etc. For larger graphs with flat NCPs that are strongly expander-like, existing methods lead to random walks that expand rapidly, touching many dissimilar nodes, thereby leading to lower-quality vector representations that are less useful for downstream tasks. Rather than relying on global random walks or neighbors within fixed hop distances, LASAGNE exploits strongly local Approximate Personalized PageRank stationary distributions to more precisely engineer local information into node embeddings. This leads, in particular, to more meaningful and more useful vector representations of nodes in poorly-structured graphs. We show that LASAGNE leads to significant improvement in downstream multi-label classification for larger graphs with flat NCPs and that it is comparable for smaller graphs with upward-sloping NCPs.


Precise measurements of signal phase are essential for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position estimates. However, propagation through the earth's ionosphere imposes frequency-dependent phase errors. The frequency dependence is exploited to correct phase errors proportional to total electron content (TEC) divided by frequency. Scintillation causes additional stochastic errors, which can become the largest phase error contribution. Both geometry-free (GFCs) and ionosphere-free (IFCs) frequency combinations are subject to such uncorrectable but generally small phase scintillation errors. A recent published study compared GPS TEC estimates derived from nominally identical L1-L2 and L1-L5 GFCs. The TEC errors establish an upper bound on uncorrelated single-frequency scintillation error contributions. The measured TEC errors were verified with phase-screen simulations. However, a known but largely overlooked phase unwrapping error affects the extraction of signal phase from phase-screen complex signal realizations. This paper demonstrates a procedure for detecting and correcting phase-unwrapping errors and discusses their ramifications.


Transformation of thermal infrared (TIR) images into visual, i.e. perceptually realistic color (RGB) images, is a challenging problem. TIR cameras have the ability to see in scenarios where vision is severely impaired, for example in total darkness or fog, and they are commonly used, e.g., for surveillance and automotive applications. However, interpretation of TIR images is difficult, especially for untrained operators. Enhancing the TIR image display by transforming it into a plausible, visual, perceptually realistic RGB image presumably facilitates interpretation. Existing grayscale to RGB, so called, colorization methods cannot be applied to TIR images directly since those methods only estimate the chrominance and not the luminance. In the absence of conventional colorization methods, we propose two fully automatic TIR to visual color image transformation methods, a two-step and an integrated approach, based on Convolutional Neural Networks. The methods require neither pre- nor postprocessing, do not require any user input, and are robust to image pair misalignments. We show that the methods do indeed produce perceptually realistic results on publicly available data, which is assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.


The increasing availability and decreasing cost of high-throughput sequencing has transformed academic medical microbiology, delivering an explosion in available genomes while also driving advances in bioinformatics. However, many microbiologists are unable to exploit the resulting large genomics datasets because they do not have access to relevant computational resources and to an appropriate bioinformatics infrastructure. Here, we present the Cloud Infrastructure for Microbial Bioinformatics (CLIMB) facility, a shared computing infrastructure that has been designed from the ground up to provide an environment where microbiologists can share and reuse methods and data. DATA SUMMARY The paper describes a new, freely available public resource and therefore no data has been generated. The resource can be accessed at http://www.climb.ac.uk. Source code for software developed for the project can be found at http://github.com/MRC-CLIMB/ I/We confirm all supporting data, code and protocols have been provided within the article or through supplementary data files. IMPACT STATEMENT Technological advances mean that genome sequencing is now relatively simple, quick, and affordable. However, handling large genome datasets remains a significant challenge for many microbiologists, with substantial requirements for computational resources and expertise in data storage and analysis. This has led to fragmentary approaches to software development and data sharing that reduce the reproducibility of research and limits opportunities for bioinformatics training. Here, we describe a nationwide electronic infrastructure that has been designed to support the UK microbiology community, providing simple mechanisms for accessing large, shared, computational resources designed to meet the bioinformatic needs of microbiologists.


In this paper, we first analyze the characteristics of online auction and propose a general analysis framework about the design of online auction. We believe that the auctions rules, the random arrival process of bidders, the auctions time, the lot size and the auctions costs need to be considered on Internet auctions. Based on the properties of online auction and a general analysis framework related to the design of online auction, then we present single-unit and multi-unit optimal auction models in order to maximize the seller' expected profits whether the reserve price is public or private respectively. In single-unit auction, when the sellers with public or private reserve price gain the maximal expected profit respectively, the optimal public reserve price is higher than the optimal private reserve price. In multi-unit auction, it is shown that the seller with private reserve price can gain the bigger profits than the seller with public reserve price. Finally, numerical results for two cases are given, where we compute the maximal expected total revenue. We show that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.


Due to the powerful capability of the data representation, deep learning has achieved a remarkable performance in supervised hash function learning. However, most of the existing hashing methods focus on point-to-point matching that is too strict and unnecessary. In this article, we propose a novel deep supervised hashing method by relaxing the matching between each pair of instances to a point-to-angle way. Specifically, an inner product is introduced to asymmetrically measure the similarity and dissimilarity between the real-valued output and the binary code. Different from existing methods that strictly enforce each element in the real-valued output to be either +1 or −1, we only encourage the output to be close to its corresponding semantic-related binary code under the cross-angle. This asymmetric product not only projects both the real-valued output and the binary code into the same Hamming space but also relaxes the output with wider choices. To further exploit the semantic affinity, we propose a novel Hamming-distance-based triplet loss, efficiently making a ranking for the positive and negative pairs. An algorithm is then designed to alternatively achieve optimal deep features and binary codes. Experiments on four real-world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of our approach to the state of the art.


Words are very important to share ideas, but less is known regarding the way the message is communicated in the leadership process. The present study explored how nonverbal delivery factors might impact leaders' charisma, followers' mood, and followers' performance. The research specifically focused on how immediacy and dominance impacted the relationship between leaders' delivery styles and followers' mood, perceptions of charismatic leadership, and performance. Results showed that immediate and dominant leadership behaviors were critical in eliciting positive mood and reducing negative mood in followers. In the absence of immediate and dominance behaviors in leaders, followers' negative mood increased and positive mood decreased. Moreover, the dominant and immediate displays also led to higher perceptions of charismatic leadership. Crucially, only simple or mixed dominant delivery styles led to an enhancement in the performance of followers. The mediating role of followers' positive mood on the relationship between leaders' delivery styles and followers' performance was also examined. More importantly, positive mood explained the link between leaders' delivery styles and performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the role of delivery styles in the leadership process were discussed.


The instantaneous and time-averaged statistic characteristics of the sub-grid scale (SGS) turbulent kinetic energy and SGS dissipation in a backward-facing step turbulent flow have been studied by large eddy simulation. The SGS turbulent kinetic energy and SGS turbulent dissipation vary in different flow regions and decrease with the flow developing spatially. The fluid molecular dissipation shares about 14% to 28% of the whole dissipation.


This paper presents the design of the XenoServer Open Platform: a public infrastructure for wide-area computing, capable of hosting tasks that span the full spectrum of distributed programming. The platform integrates resource management, charging and auditing. We emphasize the control-plane aspects of the system, showing how it supports service deployment with a low cost of entry and how it forms a substrate over which other distributed computing platforms can be deployed.


ABSTRACT University ranking is a popular yet controversial endeavor. Most rankings are based on both public data, such as student test scores and retention rates, and proprietary data, such as school reputation as perceived by high school counselors and academic peers. The weights applied to these characteristics to compute the rankings are often determined in a subjective fashion. Of significant importance in the academic field, the Carnegie Classification was developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It has been updated approximately every 5 years since 1973, most recently in February 2016. Based on bivariate scores, Carnegie assigns one of three classes (R1/R2/R3) to doctorate-granting universities according to their level of research activity. The Carnegie methodology uses only publicly available data and determines weights via principal component analysis. In this article, we review Carnegie's stated goals and the extent to which their methodology achieves those goals. In particular, we examine Carnegie's separation of aggregate and per capita (per tenured/tenure-track faculty member) variables and its use of two separate principal component analyses on each; the resulting bivariate scores are very highly correlated. We propose and evaluate two alternatives and provide a graphical tool for evaluating and comparing the three scenarios.


Rapid but informed decision-making capabilities at lower echelons are fast becoming a necessity in many coalition operations due to the dynamism associated with such environments. In this paper we investigate technologies to assist CoIST (Company Intelligence Support Team) users operating at the network edge in support of military operations. Through an integration experiment we illustrate the impact of such technologies in rapid decision-making situations. The paper describes the technology integration experiment in the context of a vignette and shows how a natural language conversational interface between human and machine agents in a hybrid team is used. The system can capture local information reporting, infer high value information based on background knowledge, automatically raise intelligence tracking tasks and match, rank and propose appropriate assets to tasks, taking into account contextual factors such as environmental and the distributed network conditions. The approach utilizes ontology-based resource matching capabilities and uses a Controlled Natural Language as a human-friendly - but machine processable - language that is expressive enough to serve as a single common format for both human and machine processing. This capability is designed to operate in a lightweight distributed environment at the edge of the network.


Background and Objective : There are different views on the time of admission in parturient woman. Most of the specialists and medical centers delay the admission of the low risk parturient women until the onset of the active phase of labor to preven any unnecessary intervention in the process of labor. This study was conducted to compare the outcomes of labor in the hospitalized nulliparous women in latent and active phase and some related factors.  Material and Methods : This is a cross-sectional study. The subjects were selected by convenience sampling method. 188 hospitalized women in the latent phase and 285 parturient women in the active phase who were nulliparos, had spontaneously started labor, were at 37-41 weeks of gestation, with cephalic presentation, singleton pregnancy, and intact membranes were enrolled. The related data were collected and analyzed in SPSS using Chiâ��square and Tâ��test.   Results : 35.6% of hospitalized cases in the latent phase and 9.8% in the active phase had abnormal deliveries a significant difference was shown by I�2 test (p=0.000). The mean age in the latent phase and active phase was 21.66±3.38 and 22.46±3.62 years, respectively, showing a significant difference (p=0.014). The mean of the time interval between the first exam to admission in the latent and active phase groups were 14.18±16.81 and 9.74±10.98 hours, respectively. The difference was significant by T-test. In the latent phase 18.1%(34) and the active phase groups 3.9% (11), there were meconium passing which resulted in abnormal delivery.(p=0.000)   Conclusion: This study indicates that there is probably a difference in the nature of labor between hospitalized women in the latent and active phases that lead to increased abnormal delivery. Could the delivery phobia and anxiety mechanisms caused labor disorder associated with prolongation of the expectant birth time? This is the question which was not answered in this study. However, it is recommended that this question to answered by either our or another research team in further studies. Â


Work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) risk assessments by trained observers are often used in ergonomic practice; however, the validity may be questionable. We investigated the predictive value of work-site MSP risk estimates in a prospective cohort study of 1745 workers. Trained observers estimated the risk of MSP (neck, shoulder or low-back pain) using a three-point scale (high, moderate and low risk) after observing a video of randomly selected workers representing a task group. Associations of the estimated risk of pain and reported pain during a three-year follow-up were assessed using logistic regression. Estimated risk of neck and shoulder pain did (odds ratio, OR: 1.45 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01–2.08); 1.64 (95% CI: 1.05–2.55)), however, estimated risk of low-back pain did not significantly predict pain (OR: 1.27 (95% CI: 0.91–1.79)). The results show that observers were able to estimate the risk of shoulder and neck pain, whereas they found it difficult to estimate the risk of low-back pain. Practitioner Summary: Work-related musculoskeletal pain risk assessments by observers are often used in ergonomic practice. We showed that observers were able to estimate shoulder and neck pain risk, but had difficulties to estimate the risk of low-back pain. Therefore, observers' risk estimates might provide a useful method for musculoskeletal pain risk assessments.


Asthma is a disease characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissue, excessive mucus production, chronic airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness (1). Inhaled corticosteroid is a common therapy for asthma. However, prolonged usage of drug therapy may lead to several side effects (2). Honey has been extensively studied and claimed to be effective in treating cough and asthma. Honey nebulisation has been proven effective in treating upper respiratory disease (3). However, the effects of aerosolized honey in reducing asthma-related symptoms at the cellular level have not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of honey on histopathology of airways in rabbits induced to have chronic lung disease that mimicked the human condition of asthma. The effects of honey to act as both rescue and preventive agents in alleviating asthmatic symptoms were tested. In both rescue and preventive treatment groups, 12 New Zealand white rabbits (n=3) were sensitized via intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 0.1mg/ml ovalbumin (OVA) with 10mg/ml aluminium hydroxide (alum) at day 1 and day 14. Sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was used to act as negative control. Following the ip injections for OVA-treated group (n=3) (positive control group), rabbits were exposed to OVA inhalation (10mg/ml) for 3 subsequent days starting from day 28 and euthanized at day 31. In negative control group, PBS was given in a similar manner as OVA-treated group. For rescue treatment group (n=3), following the ip injections, at day 23 until day 27, animals were treated with 25% of honey using aerosolisation technique followed by euthanasia at day 28. For preventive treatment group (n=3), following second ip injection with OVA, aerosolized honey was continuously given from day 23 until day 27. Subsequently, rabbits were further exposed to OVA inhalation for 3 days starting from day 28 until day 30 and euthanized on day 31. For each treatment, 2ml of honey was aerosolised for 20 min duration. Histopathological changes of the airways were determined using H&E and AB-PAS staining. A massive infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes and mononuclear cells were observed in OVA-treated animals. The airways also showed disruption of epithelium, goblet cell hyperplasia and thickened subepithelial smooth muscle layer, which are characteristic of asthma. Animals exposed to aerosolised honey, especially in the rescue group, showed reduction of these inflammatory changes. In conclusion, this study shows that aerosolised honey are effective in reducing asthma-related cellular changes in models of rabbit-induced chronic lung disease.


Background: A case of renal Cystic Nephroma (CN) was reported in 32 years-old women presenting with an incidental renal mass on radiological imaging.
Methods: On CT-scan examination, a renal cell carcinoma was suspected and right nephrectomy was performed. The resected tumor measured 17 × 10 × 7 cm. Macroscopically, the tumor was a multilocular mass with cysts ranging from 0.5 cm to 4.5 cm. The tumor was well delineated relative to non-tumoral renal parenchyma, which was physiological in appearance with a cortex at 1 cm without evidence of infiltration of the tumor. At the hilum, the arterial, venous and ureter were normal. No lymph node was identified. Microscopically, the lesion was well defined by a fibrous capsule, consisting of multiple cystic formations of variable sizes bordered by a mono-stratified epithelium, which ranged from flat to cubic. The lining epithelial cells had a hobnail appearance, abundant cytoplasm and an oval nucleus associated with a nucleolus. No mitosis were founded. The cysts were subtended by cellular fibrous septa of ovarian type. On immunohistochemical examination, the epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratins 7 and 19; stromal cells were positive for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptor and CD10. In the septa, there were some bundles of smooth muscle cells positive for desmin and smooth muscle actin.
Conclusion: The patient was alive 8 years after treatment, without metastasis or recurrence. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses may be helpful in differential diagnosis between benign cystic renal neoplasms, CN, mixed epithelial and stromal tumor (MEST) and malignant tumors such as clear cell renal carcinoma (CCRC) in adults.


We explored the effect of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the fibroblast growth factor 20 gene (FGF20) associated with risk for Parkinson's disease on brain structure and function in a large sample of healthy young-adult human subjects and also in elderly subjects to look at the interaction between genetic variations and age (N = 237; 116 men; 18–87 years). We analyzed high-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance images using voxel-based morphometry, a quantitative neuroanatomical technique. We also measured FGF20 mRNA expression in postmortem human brain tissue to determine the molecular correlates of these SNPs (N = 108; 72 men; 18–74 years). We found that the T allele carriers of rs12720208 in the 3′-untranslated region had relatively larger hippocampal volume (p = 0.0059) and diminished verbal episodic memory (p = 0.048) and showed steeper decreases of hippocampal volume with normal aging (p = 0.026). In postmortem brain, T allele carriers had greater expression of hippocampal FGF20 mRNA (p = 0.037), consistent with a previously characterized microRNA mechanism. The C allele matches a predicted miR-433 microRNA binding domain, whereas the T allele disrupts it, resulting in higher FGF20 protein translation. The strong FGF20 genetic effects in hippocampus are presumably mediated by activation of the FGFR1 (FGF receptor 1), which is expressed in mammalian brain most abundantly in the hippocampus. These associations, from mRNA expression to brain morphology to cognition and an interaction with aging, confirm a role of FGF20 in human brain structure and function during development and aging.


A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped marine bacterium, CW2-9T, was isolated from algae collected from Fujian Province in PR China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this strain was affiliated with the genus Tamlana in the family Flavobacteriaceae of the class Flavobacteriia and was very similar to the type strain Tamlana sedimentorum MCCC 1A10799T (96.3 % sequence similarity). The whole genome of strain CW2-9T comprised 3 997 513 bp with a G+C content of 34.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain CW2-9T and T. sedimentorum MCCC 1A10799T was 73.8 %. Growth was observed from 15 to 40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH from pH 5.0 to 10.0 (pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl (0-1 %). The major fatty acids (>10 % of the total) were iso-C15 : 0, iso G-C15 : 1, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and anteiso-C15 : 0. The predominant menaquinone was MK-6. The combined phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data indicate that strain CW2-9T represents a novel species in the genus Tamlana, for which the name Tamlana fucoidanivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CW2-9T (=CICC 24749T=KCTC 72389T).


PEG-modified ZnGd0.1Fe1.9O4 ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by a coprecipitation process combined with a microemulsion technique. The effect of modification on the structure, magnetic properties of ZnGd0.1Fe1.9O4 nanoparticles was also investigated by XRD, FTIR, TEM and VSM. The results showed immobilizing PEG on the surfaces of magnetic nanoparticles effectively improved their dispersibility. Magnetic measurements indicated that the as-prepared PEG-modified nanoparticles exhibited relatively high magnetic properties, although a slight reduction in saturation and remanent magnetization were observed compared with unmodified samples. Therefore, with promising high magnetic behavior and potentially good biocompatibility, PEG-modified ZnGd0.1Fe1.9O4 ferrite nanoparticles would be feasible as thermoseeds for interstitial hyperthermia to tumor.


Total knee and hip replacement have been very successful surgeries and the indications for these are extending daily. We are presenting the case of an adult female who was crippled due to severe deformity of her hip and knee joints and had her life improved tremendously after the surgery. However, the post-operative range of flexion and hip stability were not as good as those following primary hip replacement in joints that had not been ankylosed. Nevertheless, with proper planning and meticulous surgery, it is possible to provide stable and mobile joints to the patients and make their life way better. We suggest that all such patients should be given the option of replacement and few anticipated complications and outcome somewhat inferior to non-ankylosed joints, should not deprive them of the opportunity to make their lives self-reliant.


Microbial carbonate precipitation had been proposed as alternative technique for improvement in concrete materials. Laboratory experiments were conducted by bacterially mediated carbonate deposition on the surface and subsurface of concrete specimens. The crystal phase, morphology and growth of the crystal deposited on specimens as well as the efficiency of bonding and protection were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and ultrasonic test. Water absorption and the resistance of carbonation of concrete were analyzed by water absorptivity test and concrete accelerated carbonation test, respectively. Results show that phases of crystal are calcite and vaterite. The crystals are deposited uniformly on the surface of specimens. Biodeposotion effectively reduces capillary water uptake and carbonation rate constant.


WA S H I N G T O N — Given growing concerns about propylthiouracil-related liver toxicity, "it may be that we should be weighing the relative risks" of this drug and methimazole for the treatment of Graves' disease during pregnancy, Dr. Susan J. Mandel said. Propylthiouracil (PTU) has been the preferred therapy for Graves' disease during pregnancy, especially during firsttrimester organogenesis, because methimazole (MMI) and carbimazole have been associated with aplasia cutis and rare embryopathy including choanal atresia, esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, and athelia. None of these congenital anomalies has been reported with the use of PTU, Dr. Mandel said at an American Thyroid Association–sponsored meeting. Dr. Mandel is associate chief of the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about the risk of severe liver injury associated with the use of PTU with the treatment of Graves' disease. "After analyzing adverse event reports, the FDA has identified an increased risk of liver injury with propylthiouracil, compared with an alternative treatment for Graves' disease, methimazole," Dr. Amy Egan, deputy director for safety, division of metabolism and endocrinology products, FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. "Health care professionals should carefully consider which drug to initiate in a patient recently diagnosed with Graves' disease. If PTU therapy is chosen, the patient should be closely monitored for symptoms and signs of liver injury, especially during the first 6 months after initiating therapy." The FDA is advising health care professionals to reserve PTU for patients in their first trimester of pregnancy or those who are intolerant of or allergic to methimazole. The FDA statement, posted on the agency's MedWatch Web site, said that 32 cases of serious liver injury were reported to the FDA from 1969, when the agency's adverse event reporting program was established, through October 2008. Of these cases, 22 were in adults, and included 12 fatalities and 5 liver transplants. Among the 10 pediatric cases, there were 6 reports of liver transplants and 1 fatality, according to the statement. On the basis of an analysis of these reports, the FDA has determined that the risk of hepatotoxicity is greater with PTU than with MMI. The FDA received only five reports of serious liver injury associated with MMI, which was approved in 1950. The FDA announced plans to change the prescribing information for PTU to reflect the hepatotoxicity warning Concerns about PTU's hepatotoxicity have come largely from the pediatric community. Last year, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) held a conference on "hepatic toxicity following treatment for pediatric Graves' disease." And most recently, Dr. Scott A. Rivkees of Yale University, New Haven, Conn., and Dr. Donald R. Mattison of NICHD called for an end to the use of PTU in children. In a letter to the editor published in the April 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (2009;360:1574-5), Dr. Rivkees and Dr. Mattison said that PTUinduced liver failure may occur in 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 4,000 treated children, with nearly 10 times that range developing reversible PTU-induced liver injury. In the context of Graves' disease in pregnancy, Dr. Mandel said, "it may be that we should be rethinking, what are the relative risks of hepatotoxicity with PTU versus the very rare embryopathy reported with methimazole [and carbimazole]." Because the changes apparently caused by MMI "all occur by 8-10 weeks' gestation, and some even earlier, there may be a rationale" to using PTU into early pregnancy and then switching to methimazole afterwards," added Dr. Mandel, also professor of medicine and radiology at the University of Pennsylvania. The original recommendations to use PTU in pregnancy—before the teratogenic effects of MMI were reported— came from studies suggesting that PTU was less likely to cross the placenta. More recent data acquired through the use of newer measurement techniques have challenged this, demonstrating a similar degree of transplacental passage with both drugs, she noted. ■


Background Low utilization of health and nutrition services is a major setback to the attainment of ultimate health of many populations in developing countries including Ghana. Primary health care (PHC) forms the basis for the provision of good quality and sustainable health care and making it accessible to the majority of the population. In line with this, the Catholic Relief Services spearheaded a Development Assistance Programme for the 2004–08 financial year in the northern sector of Ghana. The primary beneficiaries were children in their early years and pregnant and lactating women. The main aim of the evaluation was to assess the extent to which the programme objectives were achieved. This paper highlights the innovative processes used to improve access to and utilization of key health and nutrition services and their impact on the health of children and women. Methods A pre-test/post-test design involving two cross-sectional surveys at baseline and follow-up surveys were used to determine the outcome/impact of the programme. Findings The study findings show that the programme reduced chronic malnutrition by 1.5 percentage points/year in participating communities. The programme also empowered individuals and communities to adopt positive health behaviours (empowerment defined here as the ability to act in one's own interest). Furthermore, the programme provided facilities and logistics, which increased access to health and nutrition services, improved the quality of health services and strengthened the institutional capacity of District Health Management teams to plan for and manage health activities. Conclusions The programme showed improvement over time in terms of health-seeking behaviours, practices and coverage of health and nutrition services from the baseline levels. If similar programme activities are put in place, the nutrition-related millennium development goals are most likely to be met.


The effects of steady slot suction as a means of controlling separation on a blunt elliptical airfoil were investigated and compared to the effects of steady blowing applied to the same airfoil previously investigated. Slots whose width approaches 1% of the chord and are located downstream of the natural separation location generate the highest lift for a given dimensionless mass-flow coefficient C_Q. This holds true whether the flow separates near the leading edge due to high incidence or near the trailing edge due to the bluntness of the airfoil and is contrary to the observations made when blowing was used. Lift generated by suction through a moderately wide slot located downstream of the natural separation line depends only on C_Q, but if the slot is located upstream of the separation line it depends on Reynolds number as well. Contrary to separation control by blowing no deleterious effects were observed at low levels of suction regardless of the suction-slot location. Adding a wedge to the blunt trailing edge of this airfoil enhances the effectiveness of suction, whereas making blowing less effective at low momentum inputs thus increasing the gap between these two approaches to flow separation.


The paper describes an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the height of destressed zone (HDZ) which is taken as equivalent to the combined height of caved and fractured zones above the mined panel in longwall mining. For this, the suitable datasets have been collected from the literatures and prepared for modeling. The data were used to construct a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network to approximate the unknown nonlinear relationship between the input parameters and HDZ. The MLP proposed model predicted values in enough agreements with the measured ones in a satisfactory correlation, in which, a high conformity (R2=0.989) was observed. To approve the capability of proposed ANN model, the obtained results are compared to the results of the conventional regression analysis (CRA) method. The calculated performance evaluation indices show the higher level of accuracy of the proposed ANN model compared to CRA. For further evaluation, the ANN model results are compared with the results of available models and in-situ measurements reported in literatures. Comparative results present a logical agreement between ANN model and available methods. Obtained results remark that the proposed ANN model is a suitable tool in HDZ estimation. At the end of modeling, the parametric study shows that the most effective parameter is unit weight whereas elastic modulus is the least effective parameter on the HDZ in this study.


In the present work, the numerical solution of two-dimensional variable-order fractional cable (VOFC) equation using meshless collocation methods with thin plate spline radial basis functions is considered. In the proposed methods, we first use two schemes of order O(τ2) for the time derivatives and then meshless approach is applied to the space component. Numerical results obtained from solving considered model on regular and irregular domains, demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed schemes.


Existing methods for the 4D reconstruction of general, non-rigidly deforming objects focus on novel-view synthesis and neglect correspondences. However, time consistency enables advanced downstream tasks like 3D editing, motion analysis, or virtual-asset creation. We propose SceNeRFlow to reconstruct a general, non-rigid scene in a time-consistent manner. Our dynamic-NeRF method takes multi-view RGB videos and background images from static cameras with known camera parameters as input. It then reconstructs the deformations of an estimated canonical model of the geometry and appearance in an online fashion. Since this canonical model is time-invariant, we obtain correspondences even for long-term, long-range motions. We employ neural scene representations to parametrize the components of our method. Like prior dynamic-NeRF methods, we use a backwards deformation model. We find non-trivial adaptations of this model necessary to handle larger motions: We decompose the deformations into a strongly regularized coarse component and a weakly regularized fine component, where the coarse component also extends the deformation field into the space surrounding the object, which enables tracking over time. We show experimentally that, unlike prior work that only handles small motion, our method enables the reconstruction of studio-scale motions.


This paper reports the isolation and some properties of L-amino acid oxidase from Ophiophagus hannah venom. The differences between L-amino acid oxidase from Ophiophagus hannah and that from other sources in specific activity, properties and the spectrum of isozymes are noticeable. The result of electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel shows that this purified enzyme is homogenous. The molecular weight determined by gradient polyacrylamide gel slab (4--30%) is around 15 X 10(4) dalton. The molecular weight of the subunit determined by SDS gradient gel electrophoresis (4--30%) is around 7.3 X 10(4) dalton. Therefore, this enzyme is composed of two subunits. The absorption spectrum reveals that there are two FADs in each molecule. The optimum pH of enzymic reaction is around 8.7--9.0 when L-leucine is used as substrate. The inhibition of the products is noticeable when substrate concentration goes beyond 3mM. This enzyme is heat stable and its activity would not decrease obviously after heating at 55 degrees C for 40 min. A linear relationship between enzyme concentration and reaction rate was noticed when enzyme concentration was below 5.7 micrograms/ml.


This paper constructs an RMB/USD exchange rate index and a basket currency exchange rate index. The correlation maximization of the RMB/USD and the basket currency index may determine the weight and quantity of the basket currency. The currency basket indicates that the weight of the USD is highest, whereas that of the GB Pound is the lowest. Our currency basket has a high linear dependence on that of the central bank. We found that the RMB/USD and currency basket indices have a long-term co-integration relationship according to the optimal currency weights. The results of the error-correcting model manifest as the RMB/USD exchange rate deviates from the long-term equilibrium level, wherein 76.3% will be corrected. This paper checks the prediction capacity, which indicates the good fit of the model. By using the Granger causality test the findings show that the People's Bank of China adjusts the RMB/USD exchange rate with reference to the currency basket.


The MnO–Zn thin films were fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and compared with pulse electrodeposition (PED) Zn thin films, doped with MnO and ZrO nanoparticles. Surface morphology, structural properties, chemical composition and corrosion resistance of these coatings were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, 3-D scanning interferometry and environmental chamber. Surface morphology and degree of crystallinity have different behaviours for different deposition methods. Pulse-coated films have polycrystalline structure with high surface roughness (R a ), whereas sputtered films are monocrys talline with reduced roughness (R a ). Corrosion tests of both RF sputter and PED films revealed that the distribution of corrosion products formed on the surface of sputter films were not severe in extent as in case of electrodeposited coatings. Results showed that the doping of ZrO nano-sized particles in Zn matrix and Mn–Zn composite films significantly improved the corrosion resistance of PED thin films.


Calcification of cartilage is a common finding during osteoarthritis (OA). We have shown that it is mainly of the BCP type and not the CPPD type of crystal formation. BCP cartilage calcification is directly linked to the severity of cartilage degradation and, therefore, OA severity. We have also shown that with increasing hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, the amount of calcification increases in vivo and in vitro. This indicates a link between chondrocyte hypertrophy andcartilage calcification. The pyrophosphate pathway is known to be involved in tissue calcification. It functions to keep the sensitive balance of pyrophosphate (PPi) and phosphate (Pi), thereby preventing the generation of calcium-phosphate crystals. One key player in this pathway is the nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase (NPP1), which has been demonstrated to be regulated by inflammatory mediators such as IL-1. In our cohort of OA patients, the expression of collagen X and NPP1, but not ANK and TNAP, correlated with cartilage calcification and also with the Mankin-Score. NPP1 expression inverse correlated with the calcification, whereas collagen X was upregulated. This finding was confirmed in experimental murine OA using the DMM mouse model. Furthermore, NPP1mut/mut mice (ttw/ttw) exhibit more calcification activity than wild type controls in joints as well as in cartilage of non weight bearing areas, including ear cartilage, suggesting that mechanical stress is not required for the induction of calcification. NPP1mut/mut (ttw/ttw) mice developed typical OA-like changes as evaluated by histological analysis as well as in vivo imaging and histological stainings. Intriguingly, calcification was associated with increased expression of the hypertrophic cartilage marker collagen X and the bone marker collagen I. Additionally, BCP crystals are able to activate chondrocyte differentiation via the WNT signaling pathway. NPP1 is an important player in OA-associated cartilage calcification. Pathologic calcification of cartilage resembles in many aspects cartilage transformation into bone. Taken together, the data suggest that OA is characterized by the re-activation of molecular signalling cascades that at least in part resemble endochondral ossification. Disclosure of Interest None declared


In order to create a well-functioning internal market for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, the European Commission recently proposed the Artificial Intelligence Act. However, this legislative proposal pays limited attention to the health-specific risks the use of AI poses to patients' rights. This article outlines that fundamental rights impacts associated with AI such as discrimination, diminished privacy and opaque decision-making are exacerbated in the context of health and may threaten the protection of foundational values and core patients' rights. However, while the EU is facilitating and promoting the use and availability of AI in the health sector in Europe via the Digital Single Market, it is unclear whether it can provide the concomitant patients' rights protection. This article theorizes the Europeanization of health AI by exploring legal challenges through a patients' rights lens in order to determine if the European regulatory approach for AI provides for sufficient protection to patients' rights.
health law, artificial intelligence, patients' rights, fundamental rights, digital single market, EU governance, EU regulation


Abstract. In this paper, we report on the first implementation of
atmospheric chemistry and aerosol as part of the European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) OpenIFS model. OpenIFS is a portable
version of ECMWF's global numerical weather prediction model. Modules and
input data for model cycle CY43R3, which have been developed as part of the
Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), have been ported to
OpenIFS with the modified CB05 tropospheric chemistry scheme, the bulk bin tropospheric aerosol module, and the option to use Belgian Assimilation System for Chemical ObsErvations (BASCOE)-based
stratospheric ozone chemistry. We give an overview of the model, and
describe the datasets used for emissions and dry deposition, which are
similar to those used in the model configuration applied to create the CAMS
reanalysis. We evaluate two reference model configurations with and without
the stratospheric chemistry extension against standard observational
datasets for tropospheric ozone, surface carbon monoxide (CO), tropospheric
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and aerosol optical depth. The results give
basic confidence in the model implementation and configuration. This OpenIFS version with atmospheric composition components is open to the scientific user community under a standard OpenIFS license.


This article evaluates a community-based, peer support program in which police officers and mental health workers collaboratively address citizens' mental health needs following encounters with law enforcement. We analyzed data 12, 24, and 36 months after a police-abated mental health crisis for 775 individuals, some of whom were referred to this program. Using lagged regression models, we find that compared with nonreferred individuals, referred participants generated fewer mental health calls for service and were less likely to be taken into emergency protective custody 24 and 36 months after a crisis. We found no difference in arrest rates. The program was especially effective for individuals with lengthier mental health histories. This free, voluntary, and nonclinical assistance program appears effective, but it also requires 12 to 24 months before participants and communities reap the benefits.


Bacterial wilt disease, race 3 biovar 2A, is a devastating disease of potato and other important solanaceous crops, with no chemical control method. The current studies were, therefore, undertaken to assess the efficacy of biocontrol agent (BCA) and organic amendments to manage bacterial wilt (BW) of potato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum , under controlled conditions. The present studies evaluated disease severity, latent infection, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) root colonization and tuber number and weight on two potato cultivars upon inoculation with AMF, rhizobacteria in various combinations and organic amendments which included poultry manure, cow manure and compost. Disease severity was more pronounced in CIP 381381.13 (Tigoni) than in CIP 387164.4 (Clone). Glomus intradices + Bacillus spp. and G. etunicatum + Bacillus spp. for both cultivars and for the Clone, G. intradices + Pseudomonas spp., Pseudomonas spp. + Bacillus spp. + Azoctobacte r spp. had area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) of zero. These were also the treatments with the highest AMF root colonization ranging from 50-36 compared to the controls with zero AMF root colonization and also tested negative for latent infection test except for G. etunicatum + Bacillus spp. in Tigoni. Poultry manure had AUDPC of 33 and 42 in Tigoni and clone, respectively compared with cow manure with 56 and 43 and compost with 54 and 42 in Tigoni and clone. A repeat of the trial involving the promising treatments, however, had all treatments having BW infected tubers. There was no significant difference (P≤0.05) in tuber number and weight in the BCA treatments with half fertilizer application and complete fertilized control. Mycorrhizal root colonization ranged from 23-49% in AMF inoculated treatments while no colonization was observed in the controls. The BCAs were effective as biocontrols against bacterial wilt even in the susceptible cultivar. More studies especially under field conditions are needed to further determine the response of the BCAs and organic amendments under different soil conditions. Keywords : Ralstonia solanacearum , potato, Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, rhizobacteria, organic amendments


This paper is derived the design formula of 6/14 pole FRM, preliminary calculations the size of 6/14 pole FRM. For a more detailed analysis and research by changing the size of the motor stator and rotor arc, the cogging torque and the EMF waveform that play a decisive role in the flux changes. This paper analyzes the different sizes, qualitative description of the various combinations of different sizes and electrical properties of the relationship. by the different sizes of motor performance curve analysis to finalize a more appropriate combination of stator and rotor dimensions, in order to get on better motor performance and material utilization.


: Membrane-bound bodies are formed individually and in groups from the plasma membrane surrounding the microvilli in cells of hamster small intestine. These bodies are vesiculate structures, are slightly smaller in diameter than the microvilli from which they are released, and retain at least a portion of glycocalyx. The production of the membrane-bodies occurs regularly, perhaps continuously in vivo, and appears to be related to the feeding cycle. The brush border of jejunal cells from animals which had been feeding ad lib contained more membrane-bodies andhad taller microvilli than comparable cells from those which had been fasted for 48 hours. Since membrane-bodies are also found among the microvilli of cells which have no digestive function, we propose that their formation and release may be of general significance in the normal functioning of active epithelial cells.


Traditionally, insurance companies invest in real estate, trying to take advantage of real estate as an investment asset. Global economic and cultural changes created the need for new offers of insurance companies and, consequently, a new investment policy. The authors outline trends of real estate investment activity of insurance companies in the UK, Germany and Poland. Having these frameworks, they attempt to analyze real estate investment of selected insurance companies on different European markets. The choice of individual companies was directed by the idea of comparison of companies belonging to the same capital groups and operating in different countries (Ergo in Poland and Germany, Aviva in Poland and UK). The study aimed at demonstrating the specificity and limitations of the Polish real estate market as an investment area.


Objective: Our aim was to adapt for Turkish and perform the reliability study of the vulnerable elderly survey-13.
Material and Methods: VES-13 was translated to Turkish by three researchers and a consensus meeting was held after the translation process. Turkish text on which the researchers agreed was translated into English by an independent professional translator. As a result of this process, the researchers obtained the final version on which they agreed and the accuracy of which was proved by back translation.
Results: The questionnaire was administered to patients above 71 y presenting to Family Medicine clinic. Total of 95 patients (39 male 56 female, with an average age of 80.65 ± 5.27 y) took part in this study. Turkish version of the questionnaire was found to be quite reliable (Cronbach's alpha 0.857).
Conclusion: Turkish version of the vulnerable elderly survey-13 is quite reliable. We believe that this questionnaire may be used for objective assessment of diagnosing frailty, evaluating its severity and its follow-up in clinical practice.


Requests for production of high voltage pulses have increased recently. Traditional pulsed power converters suffer from high number of switching components and high amplitude of input voltage. Voltage multipliers are introduced as alternative to generate high voltage pulses with lower input voltage sources. This paper presents a pulsed power inverter based on switchedcapacitors multiplier technology with low input voltage sources. The high output voltage can be achieved at a bipolar waveform with a flexible switching frequency. This topology consists of a voltage multiplier based on H-bridge cells and a bipolar Marx topology. Due to application of voltage multiplier at this converter, input DC voltage is boosted to a certain amount and then it will be converted to a high voltage pulse and therefore, number of circuit components decrease to a certain amount in comparison with other power electronics-based topologies. As the main constraint of this circuit is using two switches with high voltage stress, the main application of proposed pulse generator is in the applications with low voltage DC sources. Proposed structure can generate narrow pulses combined with wide pulses as well. Experimental results with TMS320F28335 processor are obtained to verify the analysis.


The Castelló's old castle (Castell Vell), or the paradigm of the anthropic territory's occupation in La Plana until the thirteenth centuryThe Castell Vell of Castelló (Castelló's Old Castle) is an andalusian structure located at the top on a hill, placed on northern region of La Plana, in the land of Castellón. It's organized on three interconnected platforms, as many andalusians castles: alcazaba, albacara and the village itself. With 1,1 hectares surface, it follows the pattern of "castle associated with a rural habitat" according the Bazzana's classification. Its conservation status advises a series of interventions, the last one dated in 2018. Defensive structures have, in general, a high homogeneity in terms of construction techniques, but different moments and build phases can be identified. Its configuration is not uncommon in the almohad military structures of the Iberian land that can be dated between the twelfth and the thirteenth centuries. The presentation at this congress of this heritage piece and the description of the last intervention made is the objective of this study.


Recently, a growing number of advanced hyperspectral remote sensing image classification techniques have been proposed and reported superiority in accuracy on the public available urban datasets, e.g., the Washington DC, and the Pavia Centre and University. Since the task of hyperspectral image classification is basically a special case of pattern recognition, many of these dominate techniques are machine learning based methods, such as the manifold learning, the sparse representation, and the newly raised deep learning. However, according to the literature review, most of them are the supervised learning methods, which require a certain number of high quality training samples to obtain an optimal model, and there is a huge imbalance between the researches of the unsupervised approaches compare to the supervised ones. In fact, the high performance of hyperspectral image unsupervised classification (i.e., clustering) without any prior information still leaves as a huge challenge. In this work, we present a method based on spectral clustering algorithm for hyperspectral urban image unsupervised classification, which tries to overcome the following two issues of the kmeans clustering in practice: (1) the course of dimensionality of the hyperspectral data, and (2) the unstable results caused by the initialization. In detail, the principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to reduce the feature dimensionality of the spectral domain, and then a spectral clustering based algorithm with adaptive neighbors is introduced for data clustering in the projected feature space. Experimental results on the standard hyperspectral urban image show that the proposed method not only outperforms the kmeans clustering in accuracy, but also provides reproducible performance.


The avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) typically infects the respiratory tract of chickens, but can also spread to other organs. However, the mechanisms of virus dissemination are presently unclear. We show that peripheral blood-derived monocytes/macrophages from chickens (chPBMC) are productively infected by clinical strains of IBV, accompanied by induction of apoptosis. Our data suggest that chPBMCs play a role in the dissemination of IBV, and may be important for viral pathogenesis.


Background/Aims: To evaluate the need for routine histopathological analysis of enucleated/eviscerated eyes and changes in indications for eye removal. Methods: Retrospective review of all enucleation/evisceration histopathology reports over 20 years. Clinical history was correlated with pathological findings. Two 10 year periods (1984–93, 1994–2003) were compared to detect changes in indications for eye removal. Results: In total, 285 histopathology results were traced from 1984 to 2003; 161 and 124 were evisceration and enucleation specimens, respectively. Glaucoma, malignant melanoma, trauma, and retinal detachment were the most frequent diagnoses 1984–1993. Ocular trauma was the most frequent diagnosis 1994–2003, followed by phthisis bulbi and endophthalmitis. Three cases were diagnosed as metastatic carcinoma; all were suspected preoperatively. A fourth case was a diagnostic surprise: adenocarcinoma found in an eye removed for pain and phthisis. Comparison of two 10 year periods showed a decrease in the number of enucleations/eviscerations, perhaps reflecting a decrease in the number of specimens sent. A preference for eviscerations was evident over the 20 years. Conclusion: The number of eyes removed and histologically analysed decreased in the period 1994 to 2003, perhaps because of better treatment options, allowing globe preservation. There was a significant shift in the diagnosis in the two time periods, and a preference for evisceration in both. Only one diagnostic surprise was discovered (0.35%). This study does not support the need to send all globes/contents for histopathological examination. However, because of the one unexpected finding, it is recommended where the examination is incomplete or the history of visual loss is unclear.


This study focuses on the installation and evaluation of domestic greywater reuse systems. The project was undertaken to assess the feasibility of reusing domestic greywater for irrigating lawns/gardens and for flushing toilets, to determine potential health and environmental impacts of such reuse, and to assess social attitudes towards reusing greywater in and around the house. Greywater from bathrooms/laundries at four Melbourne properties with different soil types, slopes, house types and family characteristics was filtered, collected in tanks and distributed by gravity or pumping for subsurface irrigation and/or toilet flushing. Family water use activities, soil parameters and other environmental indicators were monitored, and flows were metered and sampled for microbiological, physical and chemical analyses. Preliminary risk analyses and two social surveys were also carried out. The results of the extensive experimental program indicated that greywater quality, water savings, costs of the systems and general reuse practicability and success would vary substantially with specific site conditions and householder practices. A number of conclusions were drawn regarding technical difficulties of installation and maintenance of these systems, costs involved and the public perception of greywater reuse, but adequate assessment of environmental and public health risk will require further research. The reader is referred to chapter 10 which contains a comprehensive review of the main conclusions and recommendations relating to the technical, economic, social, public health and environmental aspects of domestic on-site greywater reuse. These findings should serve as a useful guide for anyone contemplating the development and installation of greywater reuse systems or components for toilet flushing and/or irrigation purposes.


Taking into consideration the statistics of the population, compared to the participation of both genders in the political life, it is not new to say that the woman is very little represented and participates just as little. The factors of women absence at the Albanian political level, as well as in all the other countries of the world, are social and historical. History is not part of our influence. In fact it affects us. But factors related to the present, social factors are part of our policy and interest. The Major political movements have arisen whenever political groups have had the courage to articulate the vital need for change. The fulfillment of this need is considered key to the expected improvement and thanks to the spread of the ideas it has taken a wide social extension. Is the woman nowadays facing a situation that requires one or more vital needs for change? You cannot bring or ask changes if the social group is satisfied with its current condition. The undeniable achievements of the last 20 years in Albania should not make us complacent. In fact, the development of Western society regarding gender culture, representation of women in civil and political society, the participation in execution and decision-making, as well as the new demands facing the Albanian society today, make us face up big and challenging questions. Does Albanian society need more women to represent and participate in the government execution and decision-making? Regarding this point of view we can see that the local politics, which in fact, at the beginning of this new century, is only a piece of the worldwide global policy. Ideas are born and designed in development policies as a result of the need for change. But you cannot generate the development policy if you do not recognize the need. These needs come from the research and investigation in everyday life, of simple people, and society's normality. The investigation implies a broad and opens discussion on these issues, in order to discover and articulate their needs. Which are the vital needs of women changes today? How can we fulfill these needs? Could they be fulfilled with a neutral representation or self-representation of women? Does Albanian society need women? Why? What are the social and political spheres where it is missing?


Our food preparation and eating habits have gradually changed due to the pace of business life. This pace of life has also paved the way for the rapid development of ready-made food and plastic production industries. Various packets used for storing and selling ready-made foods and disposable plastic products that are preferred when consuming the foods contain Bisphenol A which is very dangerous for health. This substance, which can be transferred to the food it comes in contact with not only acts like a hormone in the human body, but also causes various diseases such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. The sensitive determination of this substance, which we are exposed to in many ways from medical materials to thermal papers and from water pipes to canned boxes, in foods, human body fluids and tissues has gained importance. For this purpose, researchers have developed various chromatographic, electrochemical and spectroscopic methods for Bisphenol A determination. In this review, the methods developed for the quantification of BPA, which is in contact with food and inevitably in the human body, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed.


Abstract The chemical and structural alteration of metamict zircon crystals from a 619±17 (2σ) Ma old, post-tectonic granite in the southern part of the Eastern Desert, Egypt was studied. The crystals show simple oscillatory growth zones with metamictization-induced fractures, which provided pathways for fluid infiltration. Electron and ion microprobe analyses reveal that metamict, i.e. U and Th-rich, areas are heavily enriched in Ca, Al, Fe, Mn, LREE, and a water species, and have lost Zr and Si as well as radiogenic Pb. These chemical changes are the result of an intensive reaction with a low-temperature (120-200°C) aqueous solution. The chemical reactions probably occurred within the amorphous regions of the metamict network. During the zircon-fluid interactions the metamict structure was partially recovered, as demonstrated by micro-Raman and -infrared measurements. A threshold degree of metamictization, as defined empirically by an α-decay dose, Dc, was necessary for zircons to undergo hydrothermal alteration. It is proposed that Dc marks the first percolation point, where the amorphous domains start to form percolating clusters in the metamict network and where bulk chemical diffusion is believed to increase dramatically. The time of the hydrothermal alteration is determined by a lower intercept age of a U-Pb SHRIMP discordia of 17.9+6.9-7.4 (2σ) Ma, which is in good agreement with an apatite fission track age of 22.2+5.4-4.8 (2σ) Ma. The hydrothermal alteration event occurred contemporaneously with the main rifting phase of the Red Sea and widespread low-temperature mineralizations along the Red Sea coast.


The use of lead zirconate titanate ceramics for high power application must have superior mechanical properties, the composition Pb0.98Sr0.02(Mn1/3Sb2/3)0.05Zro.48Ti0.47O3 + x wt% SiO2 (x = 0-1.0) have been studied for this purpose. The microstructures were observed to study the improvement of mechanical properties by SEM and TEM. The nano-scale secondary phase of SiO2 and PbSiO3 were observed on the grain boundary and the twinned ZrO2 was found surrounded by PMS-PZT perovskite phase. The mechanism to the occurrence of twinned ZrO2 and its content increased with increasing Si concentration are discussed in the paper. The occurrence of the nonferroelectric phase such as ZrO2, SiO2 and PbSiO3 on the grain boundary should be the main reason for great improvement of fracture strength.


The Living with HIV Program is a part of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University. The program conducts social research into the lived experience of HIV. The HIV Futures New Zealand 2 survey was completed by 261 HIV positive people. 75.7% were male (196), 23.9% were female (62), and one person was transgender. 60.7% were gay men, 22.7% heterosexual women, 10.1% heterosexual men, 6.1% bisexual men, and 0.4% lesbian women. The respondents' ages ranged from 23 to 88 years with a mean of 45.6 years and a median of 44.0 years. The majority of participants were New Zealand born (69.4%) and 89.8% of the participants spoke English at home, with North African languages accounting for most of the remainder. Of the total sample, 255 indicated their ethnicity. One hundred and seventy two were European/Pakeha (65.9%), 49 were African (18.8%), 17 were Maori (6.5%), nine were Asian (3.4%) and five were Pacific Islanders (1.9%).


Research suggests that an ecologically informed sense of place, including strong place attachment and ecological place meaning, contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet it is unclear whether an intervention such as environmental education can intentionally influence sense of place, especially in cities. To investigate the impact of urban environmental education programs on sense of place, we used pre/post surveys of youth in 5-week environmental and non-environmental summer youth programs in the Bronx, New York City, in 2010. Results show that urban environmental education programs—which engaged urban high school students in environmental stewardship, recreation, environmental skills development, and environmental monitoring in the Bronx—were successful in nurturing ecological place meaning, but did not strengthen students' place attachment. No significant changes in place attachment or place meaning were observed after non-environmental, control programs.


Income inequality and poverty risks receive a lot of attention in public debates and current research. However, the situation of families that differ in size and composition is rarely considered more closely in this context. Relevant research typically relies on equivalence scales to make income comparable across different types of households. The standard approach for doing so is based on the so-called "(modified) OECD scale". Instead, we apply income-dependent equivalence scales in this paper to assess how the financial situation of families living in Germany has developed since the early 1990s. Among other things, our results indicate that poverty risks for households with children – especially for single parents – are considerably higher than was previously found. We conclude that the application of income-dependent equivalence scales is required for applied research in income inequality, especially if one is concerned with the composition, not just the size of the population at poverty risk.


Eleven sediment samples from different geological layers and four fossils from the South of Sweden were collected and estimated to be 80 million years old (approximately late of Cretaceous period). The samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p dioxins (PCDD/Fs) to investigate whether these samples are likely to contain dioxins from a natural formation. For over thirty years, the scientific community has discussed the possibility of a natural formation of dioxins. Several hypothesis have been put forward, but often rejected by the evidence of a source of anthropogenic pollution in the samples.In order to answer this issue, two types of analyses have been performed : high resolution gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) and elemental analyzer-isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS). HRGC/HRMS provides information about the source of dioxins comparing the distribution of all PCDD/Fs to experimental isotopic patterns from past publications. δ13C of organic carbon gives information about the nature of carbon present in soils and can be helpful to trace paleoclimates.


BACKGROUND
Animal studies and uncontrolled case series in humans have suggested a possible association between breast implant exposure and monoclonal gammopathy.

OBJECTIVE
To assess whether there is an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy in women with silicone breast implants, we conducted a retrospective study of women exposed to breast implants and matched nonexposed women nested within a prospective cohort study (the Nurses' Health Study).

METHODS
We used serum protein electrophoresis and immunoglobulin subtype by immunofixation to test 288 women exposed to breast implants and 288 age-matched, nonexposed women who previously had provided a blood sample (1989-1990) for monoclonal proteins.

RESULTS
Among the women exposed to breast implants, 5 had monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) compared with 4 women among those not exposed (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-6.39). The distribution of isotypes was similar across exposure groups. The exposed women with MGUS tended to be older than the nonexposed women (mean age, 60.4 years vs 52.5 years, respectively; P =.03). None of the 9 women with MGUS had reported multiple myeloma or other hematologic malignancies up through 1996.

CONCLUSIONS
We find little evidence to support a substantial increased risk of MGUS in women exposed to breast implants. Larger studies are needed to determine if a more modest relationship exists.


The issue of empowerment of women has been much discussed at various levels to find out the solution to age-old problem of gender discrimination, exploitation of women and to uplift their status and position in the society. However, in most of the tribal societies even if poor, women always have an instilled special position and role they play in different spheres with great responsibility vis a vis their counterpart men. The Khasi society of Meghalaya is such a society, commonly known as matrilineal where authority, title, inheritance, residence after marriage and succession are traced through female line. So it is presumed that they do not require any special effort to make them aware and get social, economic, political or psychological understanding and knowledge to establish their rights along with men in their society as they are automatically placed on an esteemed level. They are presumed to have access to education, ownership of property, authority in their family and society; they are the heads of their families and decide what to be done or not etc. But a recent survey by us in the rural areas of Meghalaya shows that about one-third of the families are headed by the male. Also many of the families headed by females who are either widow or deserted. Also in the political sphere, hardly anybody is there who is female and even in the Dorbar; females are not allowed to take part in the meeting or decision-making. But in most of the socio-economic activities, still now dominance on female is observed even though they are assumed to be physically weak. Also, even though some families are headed by males it may be that they are just to carry out activities with the guidance of their female counterpart who has better control over assets and therefore no fear of loosing anything even if they are deserted by their husbands. Therefore, a question may arise whether in Khasi tribe the status of women is ascribed or prescribed by the society. Also it is pertinent to enquire about the direction to which the position and status of women are moving with the development of the society. This paper is thus an attempt to examine the dynamics of status and role of tribal women in Meghalaya, especially of Khasi women. It is examined through a number of social, economic, political, cultural, psychological and attitudinal indicators on the basis of the primary data on such factors collected from two villages in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya.


Chromosomal translocations in hematological malignancies often result in novel fusion chimeric genes. We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia with a clonal translocation t(11;12)(p15;q13) displaying morphologic and immunophenotypic features resembling the classical hypergranular subtype of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The gene fused to NUP98 (nucleoporin 98) was detected by comparative genomic hybridization array as the retinoid acid receptor gamma gene (RARG). The involvement of RARG in a chimeric fusion transcript has not been reported previously in human leukemia. (Blood. 2011;117(1):242-245)


Objectives. We examined associations between sexual orientation and pregnancy risk among sexually experienced New York City high-school students. Methods. We analyzed data from 2005, 2007, and 2009 New York City Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. We excluded students who had never engaged in sexual intercourse, only had same-gender sexual partners, or had missing data on variables of interest, resulting in a final sample of 4892 female and 4811 male students. We employed multivariable logistic regression to examine pregnancy risk by sexual orientation, measured as self-reported sexual identity and gender of sexual partners, with adjustment for demographics and sexual behaviors. We stratified analyses by gender. Results. Overall, 14.3% of female and 10.8% of male students had experienced a pregnancy. Students who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or reported both male and female sexual partners had higher odds of pregnancy than heterosexual students or students who only had opposite-gender sexual partners. Sexual behaviors accounted for higher odds of pregnancy among female, but only partially accounted for higher odds of pregnancy involvement among male, sexual-minority students. Conclusions. Sexual orientation should be considered in future adolescent pregnancy-prevention efforts, including the design of pregnancyprevention interventions. (Am J Public Health. 2015;105:1379‐1386. doi:


Background We examined the effect of cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection and viremia on reconstitution of selected CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) children ≥ 1-year old who participated in a partially randomized, open-label, 96-week combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-algorithm study. Methods Participants were categorized as CMV-naïve, CMV-positive (CMV+) viremic, and CMV+ aviremic, based on blood, urine, or throat culture, CMV IgG and DNA polymerase chain reaction measured at baseline. At weeks 0, 12, 20 and 40, T-cell subsets including naïve (CD62L+CD45RA+; CD95-CD28+), activated (CD38+HLA-DR+) and terminally differentiated (CD62L-CD45RA+; CD95+CD28-) CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were measured by flow cytometry. Results Of the 107 participants included in the analysis, 14% were CMV+ viremic; 49% CMV+ aviremic; 37% CMV-naïve. In longitudinal adjusted models, compared with CMV+ status, baseline CMV-naïve status was significantly associated with faster recovery of CD8+CD62L+CD45RA+% and CD8+CD95-CD28+% and faster decrease of CD8+CD95+CD28-%, independent of HIV VL response to treatment, cART regimen and baseline CD4%. Surprisingly, CMV status did not have a significant impact on longitudinal trends in CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+%. CMV status did not have a significant impact on any CD4+ T-cell subsets. Conclusions In this cohort of PHIV+ children, the normalization of naïve and terminally differentiated CD8+ T-cell subsets in response to cART was detrimentally affected by the presence of CMV co-infection. These findings may have implications for adjunctive treatment strategies targeting CMV co-infection in PHIV+ children, especially those that are now adults or reaching young adulthood and may have accelerated immunologic aging, increased opportunistic infections and aging diseases of the immune system.


We obtained medium-resolution spectra of 336 quasar candidates in the COSMOS HST Treasury field using the MMT 6.5 m telescope and the Hectospec multiobject spectrograph. Candidates were drawn from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR1 catalog using quasar flags set by the SDSS multicolor quasar target selection algorithm. In this paper we present our discovery spectra from 1.39 deg2 (69.5% of the COSMOS field) and a discussion of the selection method and yields. We confirmed 95 quasars, including at least two BAL quasars; 80 of these are new quasars that do not appear in previous quasar confirmation follow-up studies. The candidates additionally included 184 compact emission-line galaxies, a third of which are likely type 2 AGNs, and 12 stars. The quasars span a range in magnitude of 18.3 < g < 22.5 and a range in redshift of 0.2 < z < 2.3. Our results are consistent with a lower limit quasar surface density from SDSS color selection of 102 deg-2 down to g = 22.5 over the entire COSMOS field. This work is the first step toward the eventual goal of setting up a grid of quasar absorption line probes of the 2 deg2 field and of conducting a complete census of supermassive black holes in this well-studied survey region. The total quasar count at the conclusion of this study is 139, making COSMOS one of the most densely sampled regions of sky where a grid of quasar sight lines can be used to probe the intervening volume.


Agricultural policies in the European Union (EU) have a history of continuous reform. AG-MEMOD, acronym for Agricultural sector in the Member states and EU: econometric modelling for projections and analysis of EU policies on agriculture, forestry and the environment, provides a system for analysing the impact of policy changes across the EU. Teams from each EU member state have developed models for the specific agri-food sector in their own country, which were reviewed by experts. Country-specific differences with regard to the operation of the agri-food sector and how each responds to external influences such as EU policies and world market prices have been carefully modelled. Not only CAP policy variables, but also economic and biophysical variables have been inserted. As all country models were built on a common format, they could be combined and run as an overall system for the EU. Hence, AG-MEMOD is able to analyse the impact of policy changes on individual member states, in all their diversity, as well as on the EU as a whole. This report describes the construction of the Dutch agri-food sector within the AG-MEMOD framework and summarises the specification, estimation and testing procedures applied to build the Dutch model. An application of the model is provided for a sugar policy reform. Although there is scope for improvements, the current model version can already produce reasonable projections for agricultural commodities in the Netherlands.


In clinical gait therapy, the quality of gait analysis is critical for developing a training plan and monitoring patient progress. Ground contact forces (GCFs) are often recorded to estimate joint torques which can quantify a patient's needs and strength development. They are also useful in designing and controlling rehabilitative and assistive devices. In clinical gait analysis, force plates are used to measure GCFs objectively and precisely [1, 2]. Currently, forces sensitive resistors (FSR) are often used as a mobile platform to measure GCFs. FSR based platforms exhibit considerable hysteresis and have low durability, some requiring replacement after only 5-hour long uses. As an alternative to FSR, a pair of sensor-embedded shoes (smart shoes) relying on air pressure sensors has been presented in previous research [3]. Some details regarding the precise characteristics of the sensing abilities were unknown, though, generating unanticipated errors during use. In this paper, the sensing units of wireless smart shoes are characterized and tested to verify their capability to provide real-time and accurate GCF measurements. For the prototype, silicon tubes were sealed on one end, wound into coils, secured to the underside of the shoe's insole at four points of interest (heel, toe, the first and fourth metatarsophalangeal joint) routed outside the shoe, and their open ends are connected to air pressure sensors as shown in Fig. 1(a). The pressure sensors were placed on a circuit board along with a battery and microcontroller responsible for reading sensor outputs and wirelessly communicating data to a nearby device, as shown in Fig. 1(c). The sensing unit on the lateral side of the shoe is 1.2" 1.3" 3.95". A series of calibration tests were first performed on the tube-insole subsystem in isolation to test linearity, repeatability, and hysteresis. Then practical experiments were performed on a healthy subject to determine the accuracy of GCF measurement. A previously presented hysteresis filter was implemented in practical testing [4].


Talk About Tribal Art presents the broad range of art from diverse cultures around the world via illustrations and concise texts. Berenice Schneiter takes us through the history, geography, and techniques of tribal art, from prehistoric cave paintings to aboriginal body art via the Klein-blue-before-Klein statues of the Solomon Islands and the abstract feather art-work of pre-Colombian pre-abstract communities. What is tribal art, what does it look like, when did it start? The author refutes common preconceptions and outdated myths, demonstrating that tribal art comprises far more than masks, erotic figures, and sacred totems. The text is richly illustrated, providing a deeper understanding of art forms such as animal art, portraits, design, and graphics. Moving beyond the purely historical, the book also demonstrates the innovation, lasting impact, and current trends of this art form in a section devoted to artists and artistic movements that have been inspired by tribal art. A chapter of key dates allows the reader to situate the historic moments that have contributed to our understanding of tribal art: from travel writing to great expeditions via ethnological quests and important exhibitions. One chapter is devoted to the artists, writers, poets, dealers, and collectors who informed our modern perception of tribal art. A glossary of terms clarifies the jargon that charts the evolution in the discovery of these artifacts, as well as changes in styles and tastes. The volume is completed by a list of the thirty most important works of tribal art from around the world and a directory of international addresses where tribal art can be viewed.


Vietnam War on Film illustrates how to employ film as a teaching tool. It also stands on its own as an account of the war and the major films that have depicted it.
 Even for many people who experienced the Vietnam War first hand, memories of that conflict have often been shaped by the popular films that depicted it: The Quiet American, The Green Berets, The Deer Hunter, Coming Home, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, and Apocalypse Now, among others. Vietnam War on Film examines how the war is portrayed through a selection of ten iconic films that represent the war through dramatization and storytelling as opposed to through documentary footage.
 The book includes an introduction to the war's history and a timeline of events, followed by ten chapters, each of which focuses on a specific Vietnam War movie. Chapters offer a uniquely detailed level of historical context for the films, weighing their depiction of events against the historical record and evaluating how well or how poorly those films reflected the truth and shaped public memory and discourse over the war. A final section of "Resources" provides a comprehensive annotated bibliography of print and electronic sources to aid students and teachers in further research.


When designer designing a new engineering drawing, they will refer to the previous valid design document that same or nearly match with their new design specification. Previous design have been reviewed, analyzed and proven to be successful. By using the previous design, it likely saves significant resources and manpower. In real situations, engineering drawing is usually in large quantities and not in order. This paper describes a research and development of an extraction technique in the field of engineering drawing. Non-geometry information that will be emphasis in this research is information that available in the title block.


The cDNAs for cytochrome P450c17 (P450c17) of three species, pig, guinea pig, and cow, representing three families of mammals (suidae, procaviidae, and bovidae, respectively) were each engineered into an expression plasmid (pCWori+). The P450c17 domain of the coding sequence was connected to a truncated form of rat NADPH-P450 reductase by a linker sequence encoding two amino acids (SerThr). These fusion proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified for use in enzymatic assays to determine similarities and differences in 17α-hydroxylase and lyase activities. The fusion proteins were found to catalyze both the 17α-hydroxylation of progesterone (P4) and pregnenolone (P5) to 17α-hydroxylated P4 and P5 (17α-OH P4 and 17α-OH P5) followed by the C17,20-lyase reaction for the conversion of these C21-17α-hydroxylated steroids to C19-steroids (the C17,20-lyase reaction). These in vitro studies show that (a) porcine P450c17 possesses cytochrome b5 (b5)-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17αOH-P4 to androstenedione (AD) but also converts 17α-OHP5 to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA); (b) guinea pig P450c17 possesses a b5-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17α-OH P4 to AD but does not convert 17α-OH P5 to DHEA., and (c) bovine P450c17 possesses a b5-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17α-OH P5 to DHEA but does not convert 17α-OH P4 to AD. Thus, the P450c17 of each species differs in its ability to catalyze in vitro the conversion of C21-steroids to C19-steroids. In addition, each P450c17 is capable of catalyzing additional hydroxylation reactions leading to low levels of 2α-, 6β-, 16- and 21-hydroxy-metabolites. Porcine P450c17 also catalyzes the b5-dependent synthesis of andien-β (androsta-5,16-dien-3β-ol) from P5. When the amino acid sequences of the three P450c17s were aligned there was an approximate 50% variation in the alignment identity (227 differences in the sequences of 509 amino acids). Alignment did not permit the assignment of specific amino acids or domains to the observed differences in enzymatic activities.


the ward (who, with considerable courage, had locked himself into the ward with the patient) was physically attacked, and subsequently escaped serious injury by the narrowest of margins when a plate glass observation panel was shattered around him by a heavy vase thrown at him as he was telephoning for help. Had this patient not been tackled, he would have run amuck amongst the visitors who were just cnt ring the building. The third incident concerned a paranoid schizophrenic who, on being brought from an ambulance into an admission ward, fought vigorously with the nursing staff under the delusional belief that they were his persecutors.


When rumors prevail in securities market, it is very difficult for investors to identify valid information. In the meantime, investors have much more ways to access information with the evolution of internet. But there is an overwhelming quantity of information on the Internet, the coexistence of facts and rumors, namely, "widely circulated" and "specious", yet "unconfirmed officially" vague information, makes it more difficult for investors who with limited rationality to distinguish facts from rumors. Existing studies are mainly devoted in the method of event study, namely screening rumors from "official channels" that clarified, which is neither timely efficient in terms of accessing to rumors nor providing the basis for decision-making. Traditional news has evolved into various forms of social media, including forums, blogs, micro-blogs etc., and users can not only gain quick access to more valuable and timely information, but also amplify information that embed the news effectively by participating in commenting on various social media. Dynamic information creation, sharing and coordination among Web users are exerting increasingly prominent impact on the securities market in now days. Thus, it is very necessary to study the effects of social media as online forums on the securities market. In this paper, the method of machine learning is adopted for the first time to identifying the Internet rumors automatically, and successfully in crawling massive forum data by smart computer technology. Unlike the case study and statistical sampling of rumors, this paper conduct automatic identification of Internet rumors by utilize the smart technology, thus paving the way for more in-depth analysis about the effects of Internet media on the securities market in future.


Soil erosion determines landforms, soil formation and distribution, soil fertility, and land degradation processes. In arid and semiarid ecosystems, soil erosion is a key process to understand, foresee, and prevent desertification. Addressing soil erosion throughout watersheds scales requires basic information to develop soil erosion control strategies and to reduce land degradation. To assess and remediate the non-sustainable soil erosion rates, restoration programs benefit from the knowledge of the spatial distribution of the soil losses to develop maps of soil erosion. This study presents Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) data mining models to map soil erosion susceptibility in Kozetopraghi watershed, Iran. A soil erosion inventory map was prepared from field rainfall simulation experiments on 174 randomly selected points along the Kozetopraghi watershed. In previous studies, this map has been prepared using indirect methods such as the Universal Soil Loss Equation to assess soil erosion. Direct field measurements for mapping soil erosion susceptibility have so far not been carried out in our study site in the past. The soil erosion rate data generated by simulated rainfall in 1 m 2 plots at rainfall rate of 40 mmh −1 was used to develop the soil erosion map. Of the available data, 70% and 30% were randomly classified to calibrate and validate the models, respectively. As a result, the RF model with the highest area under the curve (AUC) value in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (0.91), and the lowest mean square error (MSE) value (0.09), has the most concordance and spatial differentiation. Sensitivity analysis by Jackknife and IncNodePurity methods indicates that the slope angle is the most important factor within the soil erosion susceptibility map. The RF susceptibility map showed that the areas located in the center and near the watershed outlet have the most susceptibility to soil erosion. This information can be used to support the development of sustainable restoration plans with more accuracy. Our methodology has been evaluated and can be also applied in other regions.